Starter-character pages need the whole roster on-screen so the comparison reads immediately.
The best starter character is not always the strongest character. For a launch-week recommendation, the real question is which class lets a new player learn the sequel's new systems with the least friction.
By that standard, Ironclad is the cleanest first pick. He gives readers a familiar shell while the rest of the game teaches them Enchantments, Quest Cards, Afflictions, Alternate Acts, and other sequel-only systems.
Verification note
This page mixes official roster information with practical onboarding guidance for launch week.
Fast takeaway
This guide is built around one practical question, so you can use it during a run instead of digging through a broad overview.
If the answer depends on a mechanic, a character system, or a recent patch, the related links show you what to open next.
Use this when you want a direct answer instead of a broad overview.
Follow the related links if this decision depends on a mechanic, character system, or co-op rule.
Check the update pages whenever balance changes might shift the recommendation.
Why Ironclad is the safest recommendation
Ironclad does not currently ask a new player to learn a publicly documented brand-new resource engine like Stars or Doom. That matters a lot when the game itself already has more moving pieces than the original had at launch.
He is not necessarily the best long-term class. He is simply the best first teacher.
Who should start elsewhere
If a player already loves discard sequencing, Silent can still be a great first choice, but Sly adds real complexity. Regent is excellent for players who enjoy stored-resource planning. Necrobinder is the 'I want something new immediately' choice, but it is also the least forgiving of vague play.
What this recommendation really means
This recommendation is about onboarding, not about a final global power ranking. That is what keeps it useful even while early-access balance is still moving.
